Sirotkin to test with Mahindra at Marrakech

03 Jan 2019 12:55

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By: Fergal Walsh

Axed Formula 1 driver Sergey Sirotkin will receive a test outing for Mahindra at the Formula E rookie test later this month. The test will take place at Marrakech, which hosts the second round of the 2018-19 Formula E championship on January 12th.

Sirotkin spent the 2018 season in Formula 1 with Williams but struggled as the Grove squad couldn't produce a competitive car. The Russian ended the year bottom of the drivers' standings with one point to his name, which came amid a disqualification from another driver.

Sirotkin will be joined at the test by simulator and development driver Sam Dejonghe, who will also drive the M5ELECTRO Gen2 car. Sirotkin also recently took part in a rookie DTM test with Audi, as he assesses his options for the upcoming season.

"Formula E is now one of the most rapidly developing championships,” said Sirotkin. “The competition here is at a very high level. More manufacturers are entering the series as they are confident that electric cars have strong future potential.

“More technical solutions appear in these cars and they are progressing rapidly. I drove a Formula E car in 2016 but now the car generation has changed it will be interesting to try the difference. I’m looking forward for this great experience with Mahindra Racing.”

Team principal Dilbagh Gill added: “I am delighted to announce that Sergey and Sam will be testing for us in Marrakesh in the rookie test. Sergey has shown from a very young age that he is extremely talented and we are very happy that he is available to contribute to our Season 5 testing programme.

I’m sure his involvement is going to prove valuable given his experience. I’m also very happy to be able to provide Sam with the opportunity of taking part in an all teams test for the second time. He has been working very hard with our engineering team for over a year on our development programme and is a valuable part of our team.”

Replies (1)

For all the negativity I spewed around this time last year, I think that Sirotkin did a respectable job in F1. I still don't think he deserved that seat on merit. But he didn't come out reeking with that "pay driver" scent. If anything, he made Stroll look bad. Beating him in qualifying and staying close all year. So because of that, I wish him the best and hope to see him impress wherever he goes.